Balance
Balance is playing different hands in the same way so opponents cannot learn much about your cards.
The simple explanation
Balance means playing different hands in the same way so that opponents cannot learn much about your cards. If you bet the same way with strong hands and with bluffs, your opponents cannot tell which is which and have to guess. That is what is meant by a balanced strategy.
A closer look
A balanced approach mixes value bets and bluffs in the right proportion for each bet size. It is the basis of game theory optimal play. Against opponents who adapt, balance protects you from exploitation. Against weak opponents who make mistakes, an unbalanced exploitative strategy earns more. Balance is therefore a tool for tougher games.
A practical example
A player bets the river with both strong hands and some bluffs, so opponents cannot easily tell the difference.
Full explanation
Balance is playing different hands in the same way so opponents cannot learn much about your cards.
Balance means playing very different hands in the same way, with the aim of making it more difficult for an opponent to gain useful information about the cards a player has.
A player who only bets strong hands is easy to read. A player who also bets some bluffs, in the same way, is harder to read.
The right mix depends on bet size and board.
The opposite is exploitative play, which tailors the play to the opponent’s weaknesses.